Splicing SE Cable in Meter Base

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iaov

iaov

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Rhinelander WI
230.46 say I can splice SE cable. My question is can I do it in the riser of a meter base. Ran into one today where HO started project then decided to hire me because he realized he is in over his head. He landed the SE cables on the wrong terminals inside the base and they are to short to move now. Pulling new wires in there would be a major project. I make enough money off this guy during the course of the year so that I would like to help him out inexpensively if I can. 300.13(A) confuses me a bit here. Any input would be most appreciated. Thanx all!!
 
I would check the information on the inside of the meter base to see if there are any requirements that would allow for splices I really don't believe you would have enough room
 
dmplec said:
I would check the information on the inside of the meter base to see if there are any requirements that would allow for splices I really don't believe you would have enough room
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Had that very thing today. Florida Power and Light will not allow splices in the meter can. Electrican installed a j-box under the metercan and then to the can. Underground service. Check with your local POCO.
 
My question is can I do it in the riser of a meter base.
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Nope--not in the riser.

My question: What's the meter height requirement? Can you move it down?

Also, are the wires service laterals?

See 230.33 and 230.46

I do not recommend you splice inside a meter base! Yet, as said, see the codes I listed above.
 
Is the meter bucket UL listed for splices (most likely not)

If not it is up to the discretion of electrical inspector and power company. I probably would not approve....

The idea of a j-box under the meter sounds like a good if the power company approves. They sometimes are very fussy about issues like this.
 
resistance said:
Nope--not in the riser.

My question: What's the meter height requirement? Can you move it down?

Also, are the wires service laterals?

See 230.33 and 230.46

I do not recommend you splice inside a meter base! Yet, as said, see the codes I listed above.
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Where I want to make the splice is in the riser. I can't find anything in the code book that seems to prohibit it.:-? Also meter is sitting as low as it can go now. Even if it wasn't we have three feet of frost in the ground here.
 
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code book may not apply. usually the poco owns the meter. if they say no splice, then no splice (even if the manuf says the meter box is listed for splices). also, NESC may apply (not NEC).
 
iaov said:
Where I want to make the splice is in the riser. I can't find anything in the code book that seems to prohibit it.:-? Also meter is sitting as low as it can go now. Even if it wasn't we have three feet of frost in the ground here.
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I'd check with AHJ and POCO. I find it hard to believe you are not exarating with the frost statement. I could easily believe that in a few more weeks it would be that.:rolleyes:
 
dlhoule said:
I'd check with AHJ and POCO. I find it hard to believe you are not exarating with the frost statement. I could easily believe that in a few more weeks it would be that.:rolleyes:
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I was surprized by the depth of the frost too. Cable company gave up trying to dig trench with back hoe. They are coming back next week with bigger equipment. Where they are digging it has been driven on. I always thought the stuff you hear about driving the frost into the ground was BS but not after seeing this.:smile:
 
Thanks

Thanks

Thanks for the input everyone. I have decided just to pull new wires . It will suck but it realy appears to be the only safe, code compliant solution. Once again, thanks for the help.:smile:
 
Cavie said:
Electrican installed a j-box under the metercan and then to the can. Underground service. Check with your local POCO.
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The poco allowed a jbox before their [SEALED?] meter can? There's no way we'd get away with that here. Weatherhead to riser to can with no splices from their connection at the top of the riser to the top of the meter lugs.

I'd love to have a little junction point above my meter at home-- that could be *really* handy! Talk about lowering your energy bill!
 
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